Schoolboys: Jose Gomez can’t wait to werk it after graduation

April 26, 2017

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Photos by Nash Cruz

The first batch of TEAM Schoolboyswe introduced last year schooled us on how far young gays have come. Here was a new crop of collegiate queers whose concerns dealt less with coming out than coming into their own. Alongside learning more about love, sex, and what they wanted to do after graduation, they schooled their peers on how far from stereotype a gay could stray.

I’ve always had it as soon puberty hit. I always just made sure to keep it groomed and clean. I didn’t want to look too scruffy so it was always a matter of having a beard like a gentleman and always making sure never to look too dugyot.

I don’t rely on my mustache for anything or my looks for that matter (laughs). My motto is let your work and character speak for itself. Looks are just a bonus.

What’s the last memorable thing you learned in school?

No ID, no entry. Just kidding. Quite recently I had this class on motion graphics. It’s one of those classes that take a lot of time and meticulous detail. It was in working on key framing, special effects and all that jazz that I learned what it actually meant to be passionate about something. Because the difference between love and passion is that passion always implies a little bit of pain. It was in going through all that work and all those hours that I really decided that I wanted to make something out the things I learned.

And what’s the last thing you learned about love, sex, or the intricate web of human emotion?

One thing that I’ve learned is the value of delayed gratification. It may sound cheesy but waiting for the right time definitely makes things more enjoyable and worthwhile. There’s a huge difference between having sex and making love. In all honesty, having a meaningful, intense, intimate connection with someone is worth so much more than a temporary and meaningless fling.

If there was an org that you could start in school—and this can be as specific and outrageous as possible, what would it be?

The Puppy Cuddle Club. Seriously. I honestly believe that with all the highly stressed and immensely pressured students in campus, The Puppy Cuddle Club could provide students with a fluffy companion to ease their stress and anxiety. There’s almost nothing that a puppy cuddle can’t fix. Unless you like cats. In which case, ew.

Complete the sentence: Gays my age are _________.

In the running to become the next drag superstar.

If anyone wants to get to know you better, where on campus or outside of it can they find you?

Having the spirit of adventure was something that I’ve had since I was young. Part of that was memorizing all the LRT stations and the areas around them. My favorite station is Carriedo. You’ll probably find me exploring around Escolta. As the former center of trade back in the day, you’ll find old cinemas, authentic Chinese restaurants, various places for photography film, and so much more. It’s amazing.

What are you excited about after graduation?

I’m excited to go places. I’m a firm believer in hard work. I honestly can’t wait to work hard and eventually enjoy the fruits of my labor. The reward is always sweeter when you’ve worked for it and have earned it.

SHOP

About Team

TEAM tackles how gay Filipino men relate their identity, from fuckups to fantasies, to where to go for music you can actually dance to. We may not have proper rights in our country but we’re claiming some authority by getting our words and ideas on page. And though we lack public places to convene, an open publication (and wide-open digital space) is a good place to start.